Main suspect arrested after Limoges town hall fire

French authorities have arrested the suspected main perpetrator in the fire at the town hall of Limoges, which was severely damaged during nationwide protests against rising living costs and school-related grievances. The suspect, identified as Hodei C., a 34-year-old man linked to the far-left milieu, was taken into custody early Tuesday morning in Val-d’Issoire, a village approximately 50 kilometers from Limoges. According to police sources cited by Le Parisien, Hodei C. had previously been known to law enforcement for involvement in violent demonstrations. The fire broke out in the historic town hall after masked individuals entered the building during the unrest. The roof caught fire, leading to the collapse of the iconic clock tower. The structure, built in 1883 and a symbol of the city’s heritage, suffered extensive damage to its facade and upper levels. The incident drew widespread condemnation, with thousands gathering in Limoges over the weekend to express solidarity and oppose the violence. The protests erupted on October 17, as citizens across France took to the streets to voice concerns over increasing living expenses and dissatisfaction with the education system. In several cities, the demonstrations turned violent, resulting in looting, vandalism, and attacks on public buildings. In Limoges, the situation escalated following a demonstration attended by around 5,000 people. Masked protesters gained entry to the town hall and set it ablaze, causing significant destruction. Hodei C. has a prior record of involvement in demonstrations. He was previously charged with violence related to a protest against a wood pellet plant planned by the company Biosyl in the Creuse region. This project has long been controversial and has drawn opposition from local activists. His arrest comes amid heightened tensions and increased scrutiny of far-left groups allegedly responsible for much of the violence during the protests. Authorities have confirmed that Hodei C. is listed in the French security database Fichier S, which tracks individuals deemed potential threats to national security. However, being included in this database does not equate to having committed a crime. Police sources indicated that Hodei C. had already been under investigation for acts of violence against officials, further linking him to the unrest. The town hall, a landmark that survived both World Wars, stands as a powerful symbol of the nation's resilience. Its destruction has sparked outrage among residents and officials alike. Local authorities have stated that efforts continue to secure artworks within the building and retrieve administrative documents to ensure continuity of municipal services. Firefighters remain stationed at the site to monitor the situation. Premier Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced plans to provide state assistance for the reconstruction of the town hall, calling it a symbol of a nation that refuses to be intimidated. The mayor of Limoges, Guillaume Guérin, criticized the lack of resources available to the police during the protests, stating that officers were forced to retreat in the face of unruly crowds in Limoges and other cities. As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying all those involved in the attack on the town hall and ensuring justice for the damage caused. The arrest of Hodei C. marks a key step in addressing the ongoing unrest, though challenges remain in restoring order and rebuilding trust in affected communities.